SOLVED: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter

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Ziggy
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SOLVED: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter

Post by Ziggy »

So I'm probably gonna pick up one of those Saturn-DC controller adapters (see original post below) as I think that'll be my best bet. This leads me to another question: How are the Saturn arcade sticks? I think the official one is called the Virtua Stick, right?

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I'm really not so good with sticks, so that's one big reason I didn't wanna get a Dreamcast stick. That and the fact that they cost more than I'm willing to spend. But if I get the Saturn-DC adapter, I noticed that the Saturn sticks don't cost a whole lot. Is that because they suck? Or are they alright? Worth picking one up? Keep in mind that I'm not great using a stick, so if the stick is hard to use, it'll make it that much more frustrating for me. :lol:


Original post (originally titled "Dreamcast Controller or Adapter Recommendations?"):
Similar to the thread I made about PS3 controllers, I'm looking for either a controller or an adapter for the Dreamcast. In short, I want something with the 3x3 button layout like a Saturn controller. Sticks are out because I suck with them.

I've seen some controllers like this one and this one, but they don't look too appealing. The InterAct one looks like it would be uncomfortable. The MadCatz one looks more comfortable, but the steep button layout looks like it would be annoying/uncomfortable.

Are there any DC controllers like these that some one would recommend? Maybe the MadCatz controller isn't bad, or maybe there's others that I haven't seen yet.



My other idea is to use an adapter, I found this "Total Control 3" adapter, there's a few of them on eBay. Let's you use a Saturn controller and a VMU. Has any one used one of these? They work well? I think this would be my first choice, since I already like the Saturn controller (I recently got an adapter so I could use one on the PS3).
Thanks! :D
Last edited by Ziggy on Tue May 08, 2012 10:37 am, edited 2 times in total.
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CD AGES
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter Recommendations?

Post by CD AGES »

Yes! Def go the TC3 adapter route! I have one (different brand though but its for Saturn controllers) and it works great. Nothing beats a saturn pad :D
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter Recommendations?

Post by elmagicochrisg »

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ASCII Pad FT
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter Recommendations?

Post by ninjainspandex »

i use a saturn to dreamcast adaptor ftw
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Ziggy
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter Recommendations?

Post by Ziggy »

Ah man, that ASCII Pad FT would be perfect! Too bad I can't find it for sale any where. There's some PS2 versions of it on eBay for $75 and up. If the Dreamcast version goes for that much as well, it's too much money for what I'm willing to spend. What a shame, that controller looks absolutely perfect! Some one just posted about one in the "finds" thread... SO JEALOUS! :lol:


So it's looking like I'll be getting the Saturn adapter. The reviews for the MadCatz controller on Amazon actually weren't bad, but I think I'd much rather use a Saturn pad than that thing.
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter - NEW question...

Post by Ziggy »

As I've updated into the first post... I've pretty much decided, I'm gonna pick up one of those Saturn-DC controller adapters when I get the extra cash. In searching on eBay though, I've noticed that the Saturn sticks don't go for a whole lot. I'm considering getting one since I'll be able to use it on the Saturn or Dreamcast (with the adapter). But are they worth the buy? I'm just skepticle about the older arcade sticks since I bought the SNES Super Advantage... that thing is god awful. Looking at pics of the Saturn Virtua Stick, I can see that the triggers aren't as nice as the Dreamcast stick, but they don't look terrible. But there's no way of telling if the joystick is OK or not just by looking at it. Would any one recommend the Virtua Stick?
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter - NEW question...

Post by jay_red »

Have you considered getting a psx-DC converter? I got mine for $15 shipped, and there are plenty of 6 button layout controllers for the PS that would work, plus PS arcade sticks are not only plentiful, but can be had for pretty cheap. I think that virtua stick you mentioned doesnt have micro switches in the joystick (please correct me if i am mistaken).
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter - NEW question...

Post by CRTGAMER »

jay_red wrote:Have you considered getting a psx-DC converter? I got mine for $15 shipped, and there are plenty of 6 button layout controllers for the PS that would work, plus PS arcade sticks are not only plentiful, but can be had for pretty cheap. I think that virtua stick you mentioned doesnt have micro switches in the joystick (please correct me if i am mistaken).
THIS. I have pretty good luck with the Total Control adapters and use a PS1 Blaze Twin Shock. Invest in a PS1/PS2 Arcade stick which is readily adaptable to a wide range of consoles.
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter - NEW question...

Post by Hobie-wan »

That black US Virtua Stick is rubber dome. I think it is acceptable and more like the NES Advantage than the SNES one which isn't as good despite also having been made by Ascii. However most stick snobs will go "OMG no microswitches or Sanwa parts? WHAT A PIECE OF FUCKING GARBAGE!" :P

That being said, the Japanese version of that stick that looks just like it, only dark grey with blue buttons, does have microswitches in it. There is also the Japanese HSS-0136 Virtua Stick which is a thick guy with microswitches that looks like modern sticks. It has green, blue, and pink buttons.
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Re: Dreamcast Controller or Adapter - NEW question...

Post by jay_red »

Hobie-wan wrote:That black US Virtua Stick is rubber dome. I think it is acceptable and more like the NES Advantage than the SNES one which isn't as good despite also having been made by Ascii. However most stick snobs will go "OMG no microswitches or Sanwa parts? WHAT A PIECE OF FUCKING GARBAGE!" :P

That being said, the Japanese version of that stick that looks just like it, only dark grey with blue buttons, does have microswitches in it. There is also the Japanese HSS-0136 Virtua Stick which is a thick guy with microswitches that looks like modern sticks. It has green, blue, and pink buttons.
Honestly a non-microswitch joystick just feels so mushy and imprecise, the ones I have tried feel like a stick glued on top of a d-pad. The reassuring, solid feel of a nice microswitch joystick cant be matched, and I used to think that there was no difference in joysticks/buttons until I played with some real Sanwa parts and its a completely different experience. That being said, if he plans on using a stick with multiple consoles, he might as well get a quality one in the first place (what I wish I had done).
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